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Returning a holiday gift? Every major retailer return policy compared
There are always two parts to the holiday shopping season: the buying and gifting phase and the receiving and returning phase. We've now reached the second half.
If truth be told, no matter how much you think you know that special someone, or yourself, not every holiday gift is a guaranteed smash hit. Perhaps you should've ordered that pair of fuzzy winter boots a size larger, or the "new" laptop can't seem to hold a charge; the odds are always stacked against you.
If you think about it, the end of the year is when most retailers and brands embrace the holiday cheer to clean out any leftover products in their warehouses, so defects and irregularities are not surprising. Still, you should absolutely return a product that didn't arrive as described.
Also: Every major airline's travel policy for smart suitcases
Below I've broken down the fine print of every major retailer and brand so you know exactly how much longer you have before that return window is closed for good.
Holiday return policies for major retailers
Here's a snapshot of every major retailer and how their return policies compare:
Retailer | Return window | Return shipping | In-store returns | Unqualified items |
Until Jan. 31, 2023 | Free, via UPS | Yes, via Whole Foods, UPS, or Kohl's | Products from third-party sellers, downloadable content, gift cards | |
Until Jan. 31, 2023 | Free, via FedEx | Yes, via Walmart | Products from third-party sellers, downloadable content, gift cards | |
Until Jan. 24, 2023 | Free, via UPS | Yes, via Target | Products from third-party sellers, downloadable content, gift cards | |
Until Jan. 14, 2023, or after 60 days for Totaltech members | Free, via UPS, USPS, and FedEx | Yes, via Best Buy | Activatable devices, downloadable content, gift cards | |
Within 90 days after purchase | No | Yes, via Costco | Activatable devices, downloadable content, gift cards | |
Until Feb. 1, 2023 | Paid, via your shipping preference | Yes, via B&H | Products from third-party sellers, downloadable content, gift cards | |
Until Jan. 31, 2023 | Free, via UPS and FedEx | No | Products from third-party sellers, downloadable content, gift cards |
Holiday return policies for brands
And here's a snapshot of every major brand and how their return policies compare:
Retailer | Return window | Return shipping | In-store returns | Unqualified items |
Until Jan. 8, 2023 | Free, via UPS and FedEx | Yes, via Apple store | Downloadable digital content, gift cards | |
Within 30 days after delivery | Free, via FedEx | Yes, via Samsung store | None | |
Until Jan. 15, 2023 | Free, via FedEx | Yes, via Google store | Downloadable digital content, SIM cards, gift cards | |
Within 30 days after delivery | Free, via UPS | Yes, via Microsoft store | Downloadable digital content, gift cards | |
Within 30 days after delivery | Free, via FedEx | No | None | |
Until Jan. 15, 2023 | Free, via UPS and FedEx | No | Downloadable digital content, gift cards, large format printers, "Final Sale" items | |
Until Jan. 15, 2023 | Free, via UPS | No | Lenovo Outlet orders, server/storage products |
FAQ
What is Amazon's return policy?
While most of the items purchased from Amazon between Oct. 11 and Dec. 25, 2022 are eligible for a return until Jan. 31, 2023, the policy does not apply to every item on the platform. When shopping, you should pay close attention to whether you're choosing products that are sold and shipped directly from Amazon, which qualify for the retailer's extended return policy, and ones that are distributed by third-party sellers, which don't qualify.
As always, downloadable and consumable digital products such as gift cards are not eligible for returns, period.
What happens if my item arrived damaged?
In the case that an item arrived damaged, either due to shipping or manufacturer defect, you'll want to reach out to the retailer or brand's customer service line for further instruction. In most cases, the return or replacement process will be the same as usual. However, there is a possibility that you may have to file an investigation claim with your local carrier if the damage is suspected to have occurred during shipping.
What if I don't have my receipt?
Most stores will require you to have either a physical or digital receipt should you want to return a product. If you ordered from an e-commerce platform like Amazon, Walmart, or Newegg, the receipt should be available to you on your Orders page.
That said, retailers like Costco, Macy's, and Target do accept receipt-less returns. In some cases, you'll have to settle for store credit instead of getting actual cash back.
For physical purchases, it's always good practice to take a picture of the receipt in case the item is not as described or you change your mind.